Paris 2026 Olympics travel checklist for families: step-by-step preparation

If you're planning to attend the Paris 2026 Olympics with children, this Paris 2026 Olympics travel checklist for families will help you organise every detail: from ticket purchases to essential packing, accommodation, transport, and practical tips to avoid last-minute stress. Paris in July and August is vibrant but crowded, so planning ahead is key to enjoying the event smoothly.

This checklist is designed for European families, with real deadlines (such as ticket sales opening or accommodation bookings), specific procedures (like the Navigo card for public transport), and recommendations tailored to the summer climate and local customs. Use Foco to track each step in one place: create a project called 'Paris 2026 Olympics', assign tasks to family members, and use Panorama mode to see progress at a glance.

What this checklist includes

Tickets: how and when to buy them, official deadlines, and safe alternatives. Accommodation: family-friendly areas, options with kitchens, and how to avoid scams. Transport: from the airport, metro passes, and tips for getting around with kids. Packing: essentials for Paris’s summer weather and competition days. Practical tips: meal times, safety, accessibility, and managing jet lag with children.

• Check the exact dates of the competitions you want to attend on the official Paris 2026 website and add them to your Foco calendar
• Register on the official Paris 2026 ticket sales platform before the first sales phases open (expected early 2026)
• Purchase tickets during the first official sales phase to increase the chances of securing seats together for the family
• Review family package options on the official site or through authorised agencies (such as Thomas Cook Sport or Jet2holidays) that include tickets, accommodation, and transport
• Book accommodation at least 9-12 months in advance, prioritising areas like La Défense, Bercy, or near Olympic venues (avoid the historic centre due to high prices and crowds)
• Look for accommodation with a kitchen (apartments or hotels with kitchenettes) to prepare quick meals and save on dining out
• Check if the accommodation has a washing machine or dryer (or locate a nearby laundrette) for washing clothes during longer stays
• Buy train or plane tickets in advance (from March 2026) and compare prices on platforms like Omio, Trainline, or Skyscanner
• Apply for a Navigo Découverte card (for unlimited travel on metro, RER, and buses) if staying in Île-de-France; requires a passport-sized photo and is collected at metro stations
• Download the official Paris 2026 app and the Île-de-France Mobilités app to plan public transport routes in real time
• Prepare an emergency kit for kids: basic medicines (fever reducers, plasters), non-perishable snacks, collapsible water bottles, and wet wipes
• Pack lightweight backpacks with compartments for tickets, documents, water, and snacks during events (avoid large bags due to security restrictions)
• Bring comfortable, breathable clothing for Paris’s summer weather (temperatures between 15°C and 30°C), including caps, sunglasses, and walking shoes
• Include compact raincoats or foldable umbrellas for possible summer showers
• Pack type E plug adapters (French standard) if travelling from another European country with a different plug type
• Download offline maps of Paris on Google Maps or Maps.me for use without an internet connection
• Review Paris 2026 security rules (prohibited items, allowed bag sizes) and prepare tickets in digital or printed format
• Plan meals: book restaurants near venues in advance (using TheFork) and locate supermarkets near your accommodation (such as Carrefour or Monoprix)
• Prepare a backup plan for competition days: identify parks or quiet areas near venues for breaks between events (such as Parc de la Villette or Bois de Boulogne)
• Teach children basic French phrases (like 'bonjour', 'merci', 'où sont les toilettes?') and carry cards with your accommodation address in case they get lost